Memories Created at Junior-Senior Prom

Dressed in their finest and most colorful attire, students from Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School attended their Junior-Senior prom, "A Minuet en Paris" on Saturday.

Lime greens, passionate pinks, bright reds and the classic colors such as white and black decorated the Magnolia Room in Lakeland in the form of sequined dresses and unique tuxes.

While the guys sported hats of all shapes and sizes, the girls proudly displayed their high flying curls and long locks of hair that glittered under the lights.

The junior class and sponsors did an outstanding job this year. Besides the Eiffel Tower mishap, everything went quite smoothly. Because of the rain and humidity, their main decoration, the Eiffel Tower, collapsed. Nevertheless, the room sparkled with hundreds of twinkling lights and students and teachers enjoyed the chocolate fountain and other desserts.

Terri Butler, a senior, enjoyed the Paris theme. "It was beautiful," said Butler. "For seniors, the sentiments run deep. It's sad because I won't have any more proms, but it's happy too," said Butler.

"It was a nice setting," said senior Nikoye Beckford. "I appreciate all their hard work."

Senior Rhonda Trevino thinks of the prom as one of the last steps before graduation.

For others, the fun has only begun. "I really enjoyed it," said Alicia Mitchell, first-time prom participant. "I'm looking forward to next year."

Rekeria McCall, a sophomore, felt the same. "My first prom was nice," said McCall. She enjoyed time with her friends and dancing to the great music.

Every senior in the room couldn't wait to hear the results for the 2006 Junior-Senior Prom King and Queen.

With a short pause, the announcer crowned Destiny Upthegrove and Roderick Clark as the royals of the evening. After the cheering and applauding died down, Upthegrove and Clark made it to the dance floor for their spotlight dance.

"I didn't expect it," said Clark. "I was excited and happy. I felt like it was something I can carry on and tell my kids."

There were several other winners throughout the evening. Other students won door prizes. Junior Jessica O'Donnell won the grand prize: Two tickets to Busch Gardens.

"I knew I wasn't going to win," said O'Donnell, but patience paid off.

Clothing with offensive words or symbols and clothing with school logos or names are unacceptable. Headgear and backpacks cannot enter the park.

Universal Orlando and the Grad Bash event staff can refuse entry to those in unacceptable attire.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

Juniors and seniors taking Advanced Placement Exams have less than a week to prepare. The tests begin Monday and will conclude May 11.

Fort Meade Middle-Senior High students will commute to the First United Methodist Church at 135 E. Broadway Ave. Students must report to their test location by 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

The following Advanced Placement Exams will be offered: English Language, Monday; Calculus AB, Wednesday; English Literature, May 4; U.S. History, May 5; Studio Art, May 5; Biology, May 8; Government and Politics/ U.S., May 9; and Micro-Economics, May 11. The Studio Art and Micro-Economics exams will begin at noon. The Studio Art Exam will be held in the media center at FMMSHS.

Students must demonstrate proper testing behavior. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed. Food is not allowed inside, and No. 2 pencils are required. Students need to have their Social Security number at hand and should bring a calculator if needed.